To raise sponsorship money for the Bethlehem Children of God Home.
They take in mentally & physically handicapped children from Muslim and Christian families who are unable to care for them.
There are currently 14 places in BCGH.We are hoping to assist in an expansion to 50 places.
On a day to day level it costs $17 (£11) for one hours physiotherapy for a child.
To obtain a sponsorship form go to www.goodwillwalk.com and download from 'About future walks' page.
Please make cheques to 'Keighley Inter Faith Group'the money will then be given to BCGH.(Keighley is one of the largest Towns in West Yorkshire,UK.A major contribution to Keighley is made by it's large muslim population.)
Another aim of the Goodwill Walk is to make contacts to build a route for Independent Travellersfrom the Galilee,Israel through the Palestinian Territories to Jerusalm & Bethlehem.
Major work has been done incorporating the 'Jesus Trail' in Galilee into the National Israeli Trails.Also the Alternative Tour Group (based in Bethlehem) have pioneered the Nativity Trail - Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Building contacts giving local Guides' details & accommodation would encourage Independent Travellers to come visit the people of the Holy Land and put money into the local economy.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
The Accidental Donor
Graham became an accidental donor tonight when he bumped into my car causing very slight damage.He insisted on paying some money.So we agreed to donate his £30 to the Bethlehem Children's Home.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Siamese Twins - Paul
Those of entrenched opinions will not have changed their 'sides' after reading the blogs.Many Israelis & Palestinians have the blame 100% on the 'other' side.There is a lot of opinion from local & 'internationals'(who back one side or the other)that is unwilling to give an inch because their side is 'Right'.
My first hand experience of Palestinians & Israelis over 3 decades is one of genuine warmth.Most do not see a way forward any time soon.
I hope I am proved wrong on the above.
What is absolutely clear to me, Peace for Israel and Justice for Palestinans are Siamese Twins.Both will 'exist' rather than 'live' unless they give up some of their 'Rightness'.
The Holy Land is beautiful & fascinating.I find it endlessly compelling.To walk through a large part of it is a privilege.I cannot wait to get back.
Easter Holidays 2010?
Karen,Fiona,Matthew,Sophia,Myron,Maureen,Gaye & Red Dave,thanks for the texts etc.
My first hand experience of Palestinians & Israelis over 3 decades is one of genuine warmth.Most do not see a way forward any time soon.
I hope I am proved wrong on the above.
What is absolutely clear to me, Peace for Israel and Justice for Palestinans are Siamese Twins.Both will 'exist' rather than 'live' unless they give up some of their 'Rightness'.
The Holy Land is beautiful & fascinating.I find it endlessly compelling.To walk through a large part of it is a privilege.I cannot wait to get back.
Easter Holidays 2010?
Karen,Fiona,Matthew,Sophia,Myron,Maureen,Gaye & Red Dave,thanks for the texts etc.
Rockets
At the Shroud of Turin Exhibition we met an overseas family staying at Ashdod about 20 miles from Gaza.Jim is working their for 2 years.He told us in detail of living under the Rockets from Gaza.Air Raid warnings.Bomb shelters.Stepping out of the Shelter too soon & seeing/hearing a Rocket land frighteningly close.He was seriously considering cancelling his contarct when Hamas declared a 'cease fire'.He has since found out that this does not involve ceasing to fire rockets!
We have heard much about the 'Apartheid' Wall,land grab & harrassment of Palestinians.We were told the Wall has nothing to do with a (Israeli claimed) 90% drop in suicide bombings.Jim brought a whole new dimension to our information.Namely,a 'Security Wall'.
We have heard much about the 'Apartheid' Wall,land grab & harrassment of Palestinians.We were told the Wall has nothing to do with a (Israeli claimed) 90% drop in suicide bombings.Jim brought a whole new dimension to our information.Namely,a 'Security Wall'.
Shroud - the Wow Factor
We got to Jerusalem early afternoon Wednesday so had about 24 hours in the Holy City.
Paul,Thomas & James tried to visit the Temple Mount and Dopme of the Rock.The route for tourists was closed.Only the muslim gate was available - but not to us....
Paul researched accommodation for future visits.James & Thomas wandered.
On our last evening we visited Notre Dame where there is a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibition.The Shroud is the most scientifically examined object in history.The avalanche of evidence must make agnostics,atheists etc want to weep.
James & Thomas would never have visited the exhibition on their own.They were both 'wowed'.
Fr Eamon Kelly who hosted the exhibition for us gave a humorous,entertaining & information packed evening.
Paul,Thomas & James tried to visit the Temple Mount and Dopme of the Rock.The route for tourists was closed.Only the muslim gate was available - but not to us....
Paul researched accommodation for future visits.James & Thomas wandered.
On our last evening we visited Notre Dame where there is a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibition.The Shroud is the most scientifically examined object in history.The avalanche of evidence must make agnostics,atheists etc want to weep.
James & Thomas would never have visited the exhibition on their own.They were both 'wowed'.
Fr Eamon Kelly who hosted the exhibition for us gave a humorous,entertaining & information packed evening.
West Yorkshire Olive Tree-the Patsy Tree of Love
Rony took us to meet Daoud who is a green fingered Palestinian who has created a beautiful garden over 30 years.Patsy,Paul & Daoud planted a Olive Tree as a symbol of peace & friendship between the people of West Yorkshire and the Holy Land.Daoud told us our tree will give a good crop of Olives in 3 years.
We concluded our visit to Bethlehem by taking a look at and passing through the Wall.
Not a happy sight!
We concluded our visit to Bethlehem by taking a look at and passing through the Wall.
Not a happy sight!
Tabash Family - Bethlehem
On Tuesday we visited Bethlehem and met the Tabash Family - a contact from Aid to the Church in Need.
Victor,Epiphanius,Rony & Carol (apologies for any mis-spellings)were gracious hosts.
We expected to visit a few of the Olive wood workers who benefit from their link with ACN.However,we had so much more.We were given an insight into the way ACN & the Tabash family really help 48 local families in extreme financial difficulties.
Although,Christians they make sure Muslim families benefit from the the ACN link - providing them with work.It would be financially more viable for the Tabash family to set up their own woodwork factory,drive costs down & output up but this would be catastrophic for the 48 families.
It was good to see that business & social responsibility towards all the community is at the heart of what ACN & the Tabash family do in Bethlehem.
Rony spent most time with us taking us to many places we would never have seen.He spoke of the general good relations between the large muslim community & the Christians.
We also visited an orphanage for handicapped children where Rony volunteers.Our impromptu visit revealed a place of love for happy children cared for by Christian Sisters.
On Wednesday Carol re-arranged her working day (two jobs on the Jerusalem side of the Wall) just to meet us.
Victor,Epiphanius,Rony & Carol (apologies for any mis-spellings)were gracious hosts.
We expected to visit a few of the Olive wood workers who benefit from their link with ACN.However,we had so much more.We were given an insight into the way ACN & the Tabash family really help 48 local families in extreme financial difficulties.
Although,Christians they make sure Muslim families benefit from the the ACN link - providing them with work.It would be financially more viable for the Tabash family to set up their own woodwork factory,drive costs down & output up but this would be catastrophic for the 48 families.
It was good to see that business & social responsibility towards all the community is at the heart of what ACN & the Tabash family do in Bethlehem.
Rony spent most time with us taking us to many places we would never have seen.He spoke of the general good relations between the large muslim community & the Christians.
We also visited an orphanage for handicapped children where Rony volunteers.Our impromptu visit revealed a place of love for happy children cared for by Christian Sisters.
On Wednesday Carol re-arranged her working day (two jobs on the Jerusalem side of the Wall) just to meet us.
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